Mumbai, July 22 (KNN) Indian Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), who generate 70-80% of total employment can collaborate with South African business community to create long lasting relationship, said Maropene L. Ramokgopa, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa.

She was speaking at a business forum organized by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and All India Association of Industries (AIAI).

Ramokgopa acknowledged the role of MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai in incubating MSMEs, imparting skills and creating business linkages. The Consul General invited business delegation from India to explore commercial opportunities in South Africa.

Speaking about bilateral relationship, Ramokgopa remarked, "India and South Africa are closely working under the BRICS cooperation framework. We understand each other because of our common challenges."

The Business Forum was organized for a high level business delegation from South Africa representing food & beverages, winery, engineering, aircraft, smart cities, steel fabrication, rural hygiene and sanitation and machine & hand flayed hides, among others.

The leader of the delegation Director of Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa Thulani Mpetseni, said, "We are here to strengthen and deepen our historical relationship. We need to work together to address our common challenges of poverty, income inequality and unemployment."

Sharing information about bilateral investment, Mpetseni said, "Indian companies have invested more than USD 8 billion in South Africa so far. Similarly, South African companies have invested close to USD 1 billion in India. Our mission is to grow this healthy trend in trade and investment."

Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, Rupa Naik suggested that India and South Africa must work together in strengthening their MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.

She said, "By ensuring full participation of women in economic development, a country can triple its GDP in five years. Women continue to be under-represented in all spheres of economic activity."

The event ended with B2B meeting among members of the South African delegation and their potential business partners in India.